The Manhattan man who attempted to attack a female police officer with a hammer yesterday, May 13, has been reported as being alive but in critical condition as a result of him being shot by defending officers. The incident occurred around the busy Penn Station area of the borough; also, the man’s mental health history has been revealed.

African-American David Baril, 30, is said to have voluntarily left a mental institution back in December of 2014, and has a history of schizophrenia and paranoia. At the time of the Manhattan shooting in question, Baril was wanted for a string of other hammer attacks in the area. Indeed, reports have stated that the man attempted to strike four other people with the same weapon on Monday, May 11. He managed to strike the aforementioned female law enforcement official three times before her partner began firing, striking him at least twice with bullets. The NYPD officer was not seriously injured in the attack.

Although his condition has been confirmed as being critical, but at this point in time stable. The man, who hails from the Bronx, is said to be going to face both weapon and assault charges as a result of the attack he inflicted on the NYPD officer. There is no word yet as to when the Manhattan attacker will be released from hospital, or when his court case will take place.

By Chanel van der Woodsen

Sources:

StarTribune – Police: Man shot after striking officer, 4 others with hammer in New York City is arrested